The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) are proud to announce the finalists of the 42nd National Book Awards (NBA).
An annual prize that honors the most outstanding book titles written, designed, and published in the Philippines, the National Book Awards celebrates the enterprising creative labor involved in book publishing. The 42nd National Book Awards coincides with the two-year preparation of the Philippines as it makes history as the second Southeast Asian country to be chosen as Guest of Honour in 2025 at the world’s biggest book fair, the Frankfurter Buchmesse.
For this cycle of the National Book Awards, a total of 326 titles were submitted across 31 categories consisting of four languages: English, Filipino, Bikol, and Ilokano. Following the awarding of winners during the 41st cycle last February 2024, the 42nd iteration of the awards is set to be held in November 2024.
Below is the full list of finalists for the 42nd National Book Awards.
LITERARY DIVISION
NOVEL (ENGLISH)
- 1762: A Novel
- The Awakening Volume One of Alamat, A History of the Awakened
- But for the Lovers
- Specimen Zero: A Science Fiction Novel
- Wild Song
Vin dela Serna Lopez Kadi Serafica
Wilfrido D. Nolledo Joel Pablo Salud
Candy Gourlay
Ateneo de Manila University Press
HS Grafik Print
Exploding Galaxies
San Anselmo Publications, Inc. Anvil Publishing, Inc.
NOVEL (FILIPINO)
- Hoy, Pong!
- Materyales sa Komplisidad
- Teorya ng Unang Panahon
Macky Cruz
Amado Anthony G. Mendoza III Edgar Calabia Samar
19th Avenida Publishing House The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
Ateneo de Manila University Press
SHORT FICTION (ENGLISH)
- Barcelona
- The Collected Stories of Gregorio C. Brillantes
Criselda Yabes Jonathan Chua (Editor)
19th Avenida Publishing House Ateneo de Manila University Press
SHORT FICTION (FILIPINO)
- 26: Dagli Diagrams
- Mga Kalansay sa Hardin ng Panginoon: Isang Koleksiyon ng Maikling Kuwento
- Mula Ilog at Iba Pang Kuwento
- Pamalakaya
- Pamarapara
Jayson Visperas Fajardo Ronaldo Soledad Vivo, Jr.
Romulo P. Baquiran Jr.
Arnold Matencio Valledor Arnold Matencio Valledor
Isang Balangay Media Productions
Self-published
The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
Isang Balangay Media Productions
Isang Balangay Media Productions
NONFICTION PROSE (ENGLISH)
- Balik-Tanaw: The Road Taken
- Daraga: Mirrors & Memory Essays
- Everything Is Fiction: Essays
- The Singing Detainee and the Librarian with One Book: Essays on Exile
- Will You Happen, Past the Silence, through the Dark? Remembering Leonard Ralph Casper
Soledad S. Reyes Marne Kilates
Vicente Garcia Groyon Michael Beltran
Linda Ty-Casper
De La Salle University Publishing House
Savage Mind Publishing House
Ateneo de Manila University Press
Ateneo de Manila University Press
Ateneo de Manila University Press
NONFICTION PROSE (FILIPINO)
- Oas: Mga Sanaysay
- Patining at Iba Pang Sanaysay
- Virac: Tatlong Sanaysay
Abdon M. Balde Jr. Soliman A. Santos Emmanuel Barrameda
Savage Mind Publishing House The University of the Philippines Press
Savage Mind Publishing House
ANTHOLOGY (ENGLISH)
- Bordered Lives No More: The Humanities and the
Post-COVID-19 Recovery
- Route 55: 55-Word Workforce Narratives during the
COVID-19 Pandemic
Dinah Roma (Editor) Joey A. Tabula (Editor)
De La Salle University Publishing House
Alubat Publishing
- Rx Narratives: Anthology of Creative Nonfiction of Filipino Internists
Joey A. Tabula, Noel P. Pingoy, and Sandra A. Tankeh-Torres (Editors)
Alubat Publishing
ANTHOLOGY (FILIPINO)
- Anti-Katha: Agos sa Experimental na Kuwento sa Pilipinas
- Bata, Hiwaga, Bansa: Pamana ni Rene O. Villanueva sa Panitikang Pambata
- Bio(Lente): Mga Bagong Katha sa Danas ng Dahas at Banwa
Rolando B. Tolentino and Rommel B. Rodriguez (Editors)
Eugene Y. Evasco and Cheeno Marlo M. Sayuno (Editors)
Rolando B. Tolentino, German Villanueva Gervacio, and Januar Yap
The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
The University of the Philippines Press
The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
- Ningning at Liwanag: Antolohiya Alma Cruz Miclat (Editor) ng 10 Nagwagi sa Gawad
Maningning Miclat Sa Tula (2003-2021)
Maningning Miclat Art Foundation, Inc. and Erehwon Artworld Corporation
- Pintanaga: Linya-Linya ng Pagsinta
Joey A. Tabula (Editor)
Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), Inc.
LITERARY CRITICISM/CULTURAL STUDIES
- Ang Bisa ng Pag-uulit sa Katutubong Panitikan
- Everything is Realism: Essays on Narrative Craft
- Lualhati Bautista, Nobelista: Ang Mapagpalayang Sining ng Kababaihan sa Pilipinas
- Pagmangno: Woman, Nation, Ecology, Bikol
Alvin B. Yapan
Vicente Garcia Groyon
E. San Juan, Jr.
Paz Verdades M. Santos
Ateneo de Manila University Press
University of Santo Tomas Publishing House University of Santo Tomas Publishing House
De La Salle University Publishing House
MEDIA STUDIES
- Ang Mahaba’t Kagyat na Buhay ng Indie Sinema
- Martial Law Melodrama: Lino Brocka’s Cinema Politics
- Sine Tala Volume 1: Philippine Cinema and History, Sine Tala Volume 2: Philippine Cinema and Culture, and Sine Tala Volume 3: Philippine Cinema and Literacy
Rolando B. Tolentino and Aristotle J. Atienza (Editors)
José B. Capino Nick Deocampo
The University of the Philippines Press and QCinema International Film Festival Ateneo de Manila University Press
Ateneo de Manila University Press
POETRY (ENGLISH)
- It Is Time to Come Home: New & Collected Poems
- Kafka in the Tropics: Poems
- Moving with Moonrise: Haibuns
- A Row of Lamps: Poems
- Planet Nine: Poems
Marjorie Evasco
Krip Yuson
Ma. Milagros T. Dumdum Jaime Dasca Doble
Joel M. Toledo
Milflores Publishing, Inc.
San Anselmo Publications, Inc. Ateneo de Manila University Press
The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
University of Santo Tomas Publishing House
POETRY (FILIPINO)
- Ang Aming Lungkot ay Amin
- Sa Antipolo pa rin ang Antipolo
- Arasahas: Mga Tula
- Arawán
- Turno Kong Nokturno: Mga Bago at Piling Tula
Mesándel Virtusio Arguelles Abner E. Dormiendo
Jaya Jacobo Christian Rey Pilares
Lamberto E. Antonio
Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), Inc.
Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), Inc.
Savage Mind Publishing House Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), Inc.
The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
GRAPHIC NOVELS AND COMICS (ENGLISH)
- Parched Earth Chronicles: The Complete Edition
- Trese 8: Shadow Agents
- Sa Wala
- Whatcha Saying?
Written and illustrated byJefe Bagabundo, Mark Anthony Mijares, Erik Guzman Pingol, Franco Sarmiento, Alfred John Lauzon, and Mauro Vargas Written by Budjette Tan and illustrated by KaJo Baldisimo Written and illustrated by
Ren Galeno
Written and illustrated by CJ Reynaldo
Central Book Supply, Inc.
19th Avenida Publishing House Komiket Inc.
Komiket Inc.
GRAPHIC NOVELS AND COMICS (FILIPINO)
- Ella Arcangel Tomo Pangatlo: Basbas ng Apoy
- Meläg II: Balikbayan
- Sining Killing
- Sskait Comics 3: Multoserye
Written and illustrated by Julius Villanueva
Written and illustrated by
B. Redila
Written and illustrated by Randy Valiente
Written and illustrated by AJ Bacar
Self-published Adarna House, Inc. Komiket Inc.
Self-published
- Tabi Po: Harana ng Aswang Written and illustrated by
Mervin Malonzo
Self-published
TRANSLATED BOOK (ENGLISH)
- Ikigai Ug Ubang Piniling Mga Sugilanon (And Other Selected Stories)
- Húbad: Ester Tapia
- The Ravaged World
- The Vanished
Translator: Marjorie Evasco; Author: Manu Avenido
Translator: Merlie M. Alunan; Author: Ester Tapia
Translator: Soledad S. Reyes; Author: Rosario de
Guzman-Lingat Translator: Ned Parfan;
Author: Chuckberry Pascual
Advaux
The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
Ateneo de Manila University Press
19th Avenida Publishing House
TRANSLATED BOOK (FILIPINO)
- Benjamin
- It Ends with Us
- Mga Kuwentong Bayan para sa Gabing Maulan (Tales for a Rainy Night)
- Palâisgën: Epikong-bayan ng mga Tagbanua ng Aborlan, Palawan
Translators: John E. Barrios and Fennie Mae T. Tanangonan; Author: Angel Magahum Translator: Sheila Mendoza; Author: Colleen Hoover Translator: Chuckberry J. Pascual; Author: Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo
Translators: Paul D. Jagmis, Sr. and Mary Grace A. Jagmis; Contributors: Paul D. Jagmis Sr., Gem-Gem Bagued, Fernando Lingsa, and Delia Jardinero
The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
Precious Pages Corporation
University of Santo Tomas Publishing House
National Commission for Culture and the Arts
TRANSLATED BOOK (ILOKANO)
1. Ti Bassit a Prinsipe (The Little Prince)
Translators: Cles B. Rambaud and Faye Q. Flores-Melegrito; Author: Antoine de
Saint-Exupéry
Southern Voices Printing Press
DRAMA AND FILM
- Collected Plays 1: Revitalizing Tradition in Three Full-Length Films
Nicanor G. Tiongson Ateneo de Manila University Press
- Collected Plays 2: Resurrecting History in Three Full-Length Musicals
- Lutong Bahay
- Ang Paglalakbay ni Prinsipe Bahaghari
Nicanor G. Tiongson
Glecy Cruz Atienza
Aina Ysabel B. Ramolete and Vladimeir B. Gonzales
Ateneo de Manila University Press
Sentro ng Wikang Filipino – Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
SHORT FICTION IN BIKOL
- Dyurnal Intris
- Kalatraban sa Alkawaraan
Jerome M. Hipolito Niles Jordan Breis
Ateneo de Naga University Press Ateneo de Naga University Press
POETRY IN BIKOL
- An Santero Kan Santo Entierro
- Dios Mabalos: Mga Rawitdawit
- Kalagnon: Mga Rawitdawit
- Kinalburong Lanub
- Mayong Katapusan na Pabalon asin iba pang Huyon-Huyon: Mga Rawitdawit
- B. Gonzaga
Jaime Jesus Uy Borlagdan Jaime Jesus Uy Borlagdan Kristian Sendon Cordero Raul Giga Bradecina
Bikol Historical Research Center and Partido State University Ateneo de Naga University Press Self-published
Ateneo de Naga University Press Ateneo de Naga University Press
NON-LITERARY DIVISION
ART
- Julio Nakpil (1867-1960) Collected Works Volume Two: Band and Orchestral Music
- Nineteenth-Century Masters of Angono Art
- Philippine Colonial Photography of the Cordilleras (1860-1930)
Maria Alexandra Iñigo Chua (Editor)
James Owen Saguinsin Jonathan Best
University of Santo Tomas Publishing House
Vibal Foundation, Inc. Vibal Foundation, Inc.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Conflict’s Long Game: A Decade of Violence in the Bangsamoro
- Plural Entanglements: Philippine Studies
Francisco J. Lara, Jr. and Nikki Philline C. de la Rosa (Editors)
Dada Docot, Stephen B. Acabado, and Clement C. Camposano (Editors)
Ateneo de Manila University Press Ateneo de Manila University Press
- Re-Imagining Post-Pandemic Societies: Alternative Practices across Southeast Asia Volume 2
- Saints of Resistance: Devotions in the Philippines under Early Spanish Rule
- Tinipong Tinig ng Kababaihan (Anthology of Women’s Voices): Priestesses to Presidents
Eduardo C. Tadem, Benjamin B. Velasco, Jose Monfred C. Sy, Ananeza P. Aban, Rafael Vicente V. Dimalanta, Honey B. Tabiola, and Ryan Joseph C. Martinez (Editors)
Christina H. Lee
Nenita Pambid Domingo (Editor) and Brandon J. Macapagal Reilly (Associate Editor)
University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies
Ateneo de Manila University Press
The University of the Philippines Press
PHILOSOPHY
- Critical Theory at the Margins: Applying Herbert Marcuse’s Model of Critical Social Theory to the Philippines
- The Metaphysics of the Holy Eucharist
Jeffry Ocay
Raymun J. Festin, SVD
Aletheia Printing and Publishing House
Logos Publications, Inc.
HISTORY
- Abaca Frontier: The Socioeconomic and Cultural Transformation of Davao, 1898-1941
- Dauntless
- Dogs in Philippine History
- Tales of the Post-Plantation: Unlikely Protagonists of Modern Philippine Banana History
- Tigaon 1969: Untold Stories of the CPP-NPA, KM, and SDK
Patricia Irene Dacudao
Marie Silva Vallejo
Ian Christopher B. Alfonso Robin Thiers
Soliman M. Santos Jr.
Ateneo de Manila University Press
Self-published
Philippine Historical Association, Project Saysay Inc., and Alaya Publishing
Ateneo de Manila University Press Ateneo de Manila University Press
HUMOR, SPORTS, LIFESTYLE, AND BUSINESS
- Expanding Strategic Perspective: Revisiting Lessons from History and the Classics
- Paseos de Intramuros:
A Guidebook to Manila’s Walled City
René B. Azurin
Jose Victor Z. Torres
The University of the Philippines Press
Vibal Foundation, Inc.
- Salumpuwit: Chairs, Lifestyle, Furniture
- Thrive! A Parent’s Journey to Resilience
- The Way Out Is In: Living and Loving, Pandemics and Beyond
Gerard Lico
Cherie Ann Lo, Joanna Herrera, Karyl Christine A. Abog, Maria Lyn Domingo, Rhoanne N. Ramas, and Melinda Tan
Ma. Lourdes Arellano Carandang
Arc Lico International Services and University of the Philippines College of Architecture
Anvil Publishing, Inc.
De La Salle University Publishing House
FOOD
1. Heritage Dishes of the Philippines
Lady Camille L. de Guia Vibal Group, Inc.
SCIENCE
- Abaca Virus Diseases: Epidemics and Control
- Rediscovering Laguna de Bay:
A Vital Natural Resource in Crisis
- Wild City: A Photographic Guide to Amphibians, Mammals, and Reptiles of Metro Manila
Avelino D. Raymundo
Josefino C. Comiso, Maria Victoria O. Espaldon, and Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava (Editors)
Jelaine Gan, Trinket Constantino, and Abby Favis
The University of the Philippines Press
The University of the Philippines Press
The University of the Philippines Press
SPIRITUALITY AND THEOLOGY
- Babaylan Sing Back: Philippine Shamans and Voice, Gender, and Place
- The Eucharist: Continuing Global Project
- Pinoy Devotional: Ang kapartner na devo ng Ang Bible: Pinoy Version
- Providence is Enough: Trusting God’s Control in Crisis
- What do you Seek? Pastoral Accompaniment of Couples Living Together in A New Union
Grace Nono
Aurelio C. Joaquin
Kerlyn Bobadilla, Ru dela Torre, Rigel Fortaleza et al.
Mel Caparros Bobby V. Cena
Ateneo de Manila University Press
Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.
OMF Literature Inc.
OMF Literature Inc.
Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.
PROFESSIONS
- A Cardiologist’s Guide To Lowering High Blood Pressure
Alan S. Tenerife Self-published
- Hospital Bullies in the Philippine Clerkship and Residency Training: A Book of Discernment for Physicians, Nurses, and Psychologists Volume 3
- PR Matters: A Communicator’s Guide to the Dynamic World of Public Relations
- Workplace Well-being in the Philippines: A Guidebook
- The Written Property: A Freelance Writer’s Guide to Copyright
Erwin L. Manzano
Members of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Philippine Chapter
Ma. Tonirose D. Mactal, Emerald Jay D. Ilác, and Jaimee Felice Caringal-Go (Editors)
Imelda Morales and Mark Robert Dy (Editors)
Central Book Supply, Inc.
Buensalido Public Relations Agency Ateneo de Manila University Press LitArt Publishing
JOURNALISM
- COVID-19 in the News of Seekers, Scoundrels, and Saints
- Serve
- View from the Foxhole: Shaping the Political into the Personal
Ma. Ceres P. Doyo
Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon (Editor) Joel Pablo Salud
Ateneo de Manila University Press
Ateneo de Manila University Press The University of the Philippines Press
DESIGN
DESIGN
- A Death Foretold: The Ninoy Aquino Assassination Remembered
- Dogs in Philippine History
- Everything Is Fiction: Essays
- It Is Time to Come Home: New
& Collected Poems
- Piña Futures: Weaving Memories and Innovations
Editors: Sarge Lacuesta, An Mercado-Alcantara, and Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta Designer: Tom Estrera III
Author and Designer:
Ian Christopher B. Alfonso
Author: Vicente Garcia Groyon Designers: Troy Binco and Ace Vincent Molo
Author: Marjorie Evasco Designer: Felix Mago Miguel Author: Randy M. Madrid Designer: Felix Mago Miguel Jr.
Good Intentions Books, Inc. and Aurora Oreta
Philippine Historical Association, Project Saysay Inc., and Alaya Publishing
Ateneo de Manila University Press
Milflores Publishing, Inc.
Far Eastern University and HABI: The Philippine Textile Company
*NOTHING FOLLOWS*
For clarifications or queries, please contact:
CHARISSE AQUINO-TUGADE
Executive Director
National Book Development Board (NBDB)
3F Regalado Hive Building, Regalado Avenue, Fairview, Quezon City 1118
